Method and apparatus for a shoehorn

ABSTRACT

A shoehorn having a substantially straight portion and a substantially curved portion. The shoehorn may have a length which may be between eighteen and thirty-two inches. The substantially curved portion may have a radius of curvature which is about one quarter of the length of the shoehorn. The shoehorn may have a foam pad wrapped around the substantially straight portion and which is adapted to be used to pick up the shoehorn. A method is provided including grabbing a shoehorn by a first end of the shoehorn, inserting a second end of the shoehorn into an inner chamber of a shoe, and picking up the shoe using the shoehorn.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus concerning shoehorns.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shoehorns are generally used to make putting on shoes easier. Long handled shoehorns are used by persons who present with limitation of range of motion of their back, hips, knees, or even ankles, and are not able to reach their feet to put on their shoes. Known long handled shoehorns are used as an enabler which allows a person to insert his feet into his shoes without having to bend over.

Long handled shoehorns that are known and available in the market are straight with a hook handle. When using the prior art, a person with limited joint range of motion may need a separate assistance device such as a reacher to pick up his shoe to position it next to his foot. After inserting the shoehorn next to the counter of the shoe, the person needs to rock the shoehorn forward and backward slightly, while pushing his heel down, to help guide the foot as it slides into the shoe. This forward and backward movement of the shoehorn may be limited by contact with the person's calf and thigh. A person's hand or fingers may even get pinched between the person's lower leg/calf and the shoehorn as the individual pushes their heel down. The known long handled shoehorns, such as for example, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,501,073 to Breithor, U.S. Design Pat. No. D508303 to Bradley, U.S. Design Pat. No. D302,490 to Denney, U.S. Design Pat. No. D427,417 to Israel, U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,933 to Klinberg, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,182 to Shrewsbury may be difficult to use for an individual with multiple joint restrictions, and when there is limitation of motion in a person's upper extremities, such as in their shoulders, elbows, wrist or hands in addition to limitation of motion in their lower extremities and back. This is usually the case with the elderly and persons who have undergone major orthopedic surgery involving different joints in the body. The complex limitation of their joints sometimes necessitates another person to steady the shoe while the individual tries to get their foot in the shoe.

The previous straight shoehorn devices create little space between the person's heel and the back of the person's shoe. If the shoe is tight it is usually uncomfortable using the prior art when the person's heel presses against the bottom and side edges of the shoehorn.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the present invention will enable an individual to put on their shoes without bending over. It improves the quality of life of persons with physical disability or limitation by increasing their level of independence in performing this task/activity of daily living.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a shoehorn which is configured to be shaped like the angle of a human ankle and may be used to hold the tongue of a shoe, such as a sneaker, in place while a person is trying to put his forefoot into the shoe. At least one embodiment of the present invention can be used as a simple tool to reach and pick up the shoe and position a shoe next to a person's foot in case the person is unable to reach for his shoe. The angled design, in one or more embodiments also does not interfere with the person's lower leg and/or calf and eliminates the need to rock the shoehorn forward and backward to make room for the persons heel as it slides into the shoe. The person is free to maneuver his heel into the shoe without getting his hand or fingers caught between his calf and the shoehorn.

One more embodiments of the present invention are easy to use, are lightweight, and easy to carry.

A shoehorn in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may be made substantially of or entirely of plastic or metal which may be inexpensive to manufacture.

In at least one embodiment, the top side of the tip of the shoehorn may be lined with a rubber material to help hold a shoe tongue in place.

A shoehorn in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention allows for an easy sliding of a person's heel into a shoe as the shoehorn guides the foot and simultaneously pushes the heel of the shoe back further, thereby creating more space to insert the foot into the shoe.

In at least one embodiment, a rubber pad or rubber handle may be provided which is easy to hold, even for arthritic individuals. This device may easily be used in sitting or standing position.

The shoehorn may include a circular opening substantially forming a ring which can be hung up for easy storage.

At least one embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a shoehorn. The shoehorn may have a substantially straight portion and a substantially curved portion. The shoehorn may have a length which may be between eighteen and thirty-two inches. The substantially curved portion may have a radius of curvature which is about one quarter of the length of the shoehorn.

The shoehorn may have a first end and a second end. The substantially straight portion may extend from the first end to a first location between the first end and the second end. The substantially curved portion may extend from the second end to a second location between the second end and the first end. The substantially curved portion may include a hard plastic portion on which is located a protruding elastic cushion portion extending from the second end to a third location between the first location and the second end. A ring may be located at the first end.

The apparatus may include a foam pad which is wrapped around the substantially straight portion and which is adapted to be used to pick up the shoehorn.

An embodiment of the present invention may include a method comprised of grabbing a shoehorn by a first end of the shoehorn, inserting a second end of the shoehorn into an inner chamber of a shoe, and picking up the shoe using the shoehorn. The shoehorn may be configured as previously described.

The method may additionally or alternatively include flexing an upper portion of the shoe upwards using the shoehorn, while the shoe remains on a ground surface, and inserting a foot into the inner chamber of the shoe. The method may also include inserting the second end of the shoehorn into the inner chamber of the shoe, flexing a back portion of the shoe backwards using the shoehorn, while the shoe remains on the ground surface, and inserting a foot into the inner chamber of the shoe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a shoehorn in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the shoehorn of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the shoehorn of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the shoehorn of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the shoehorn of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the shoehorn of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of a first part of the shoehorn of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a second part of the shoehorn of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows a left side view of the shoehorn of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 shows a right side view of the shoehorn of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11A shows a top perspective view of another shoehorn in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11B shows a top perspective view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A combined with a pad;

FIG. 12A shows a bottom perspective view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12B shows a bottom perspective view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A combined with a pad;

FIG. 13A shows a top view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 13B shows a top view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A combined with the pad of FIG. 11B;

FIG. 14A shows a bottom view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 14B shows a bottom view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A combined with the pad of FIG. 11B;

FIG. 15A shows a front view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 15B shows a front view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A combined with the pad of FIG. 11B;

FIG. 16A shows a rear view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 16B shows a rear view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A combined with the pad of FIG. 11B;

FIG. 17 shows a cross section of a first part of the shoe horn of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 18 shows a cross section of a second part of the shoe horn of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 19A shows a left side view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 19B shows a left side view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A combined with the pad of FIG. 11B;

FIG. 20A shows a right side view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 20B shows a right side view of the shoehorn of FIG. 11A combined with the pad of FIG. 11B;

FIG. 21 shows a side perspective simplified view of a shoehorn in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention being used by a person in a first method;

FIG. 22 shows a side perspective simplified view of a shoehorn in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention being used by a person in a second method; and

FIG. 23 shows a side perspective simplified view of a shoehorn in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention being used by a person in a third method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-6 show top perspective, bottom perspective, top, bottom, front, and rear views, respectively, of a shoehorn 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a cross section of a first part of the shoehorn 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a second part of the shoehorn 1 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 9-10 show left side and right side views, respectively, of the shoehorn 1 of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the shoehorn 1 includes sections or portions 2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 14. Section 2 may be substantially semicircularly shaped and may have a circular opening 4, which may have a diameter of about one inch. Section 6 may be tapered. Section 8 may have a top surface 8 a and a bottom surface 8 b. Section 9 may have a top surface 9 a and bottom surfaces 9 c and 9 b. Surface 9 c may be convex, rounded out, or arched out. Surface 9 b may be concave, rounded in, or arched in. Surface 9 c may be substantially flat. Section 10 may have a top convex, rounded out, or arched up surface 10 a shown in FIG. 1, and a concave, rounded in, or arched in surface 10 b shown in FIG. 2. Section 10 may have edges 10 d and 10 c shown in FIG. 2. Section 12 may have a top convex, rounded out, or arched up surface 12 a shown in FIG. 1, and a concave, rounded in, or arched in surface 12 b shown in FIG. 2. Section 12 may have edges 12 d and 12 c shown in FIG. 2. Section 14 may have a top convex, rounded out, or arched up surface 14 a shown in FIG. 1, and a concave, rounded in, or arched in surface 14 b shown in FIG. 2. Section 14 may have edges 14 d and 14 c shown in FIG. 2. The section 14 may include a portion 15 a on top of a portion 15 b as shown by FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of a first part of the shoehorn 1 of FIG. 1, taken along dashed line segment AB. In FIG. 7, section 10, and surfaces 10 a and 10 b are shown. FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a second part of the shoehorn 1 of FIG. 1, taken along dashed line segment CD. In FIG. 8, section 12, and surfaces 12 a and 12 b are shown.

FIGS. 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A, 15A, and 16A show top perspective, bottom perspective, top, bottom, front, and rear views, respectively, of a shoehorn 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17A shows a cross section of a first part of the shoehorn 100 of FIG. 11A. FIG. 18A shows a cross section of a second part of the shoehorn 100 of FIG. 11A. FIGS. 19A-20A show left side and right side views, respectively, of the shoehorn 100 of FIG. 11A.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-20A, the shoehorn 100 includes sections or portions 102, 106, 108, 109, 110, and 112. Section 102 may be substantially semicircularly shaped and may have a circular opening 104, which may have a diameter of about one inch. Section 106 may be tapered. Section 108 may have a top surface 108 a and a bottom surface 108 b. Section 109 may have a top surface 109 a and bottom surfaces 109 c and 109 b. Surface 109 a may be convex, rounded out, or arched out. Surface 109 b may be concave, rounded in, or arched in. Surface 109 c may be substantially flat. Section 110 may have a top convex, rounded out, or arched up surface 110 a shown in FIG. 11A, and a concave, rounded in, or arched in surface 110 b shown in FIG. 12A. Section 110 may have edges 110 d and 110 c shown in FIG. 12A. Section 112 may have a top convex, rounded out, or arched up surface 112 a shown in FIG. 11A, and a concave, rounded in, or arched in surface 112 b shown in FIG. 12A. Section 112 may have edges 112 d and 112 c shown in FIG. 12A.

FIGS. 11B, 12B, 13B, 14B, 15B, and 16B show top perspective, bottom perspective, top, bottom, front, and rear views, respectively, of a shoehorn 100 combined with a pad 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17B shows a cross section of a first part of the shoehorn 100 of FIG. 11A combined with pad 200 of FIG. 11B. FIG. 18B shows a cross section of a second part of the shoehorn 100 of FIG. 11A combined with the pad 200 of FIG. 11B. FIGS. 19B-20B show left side and right side views, respectively, of the shoehorn 100 of FIG. 11A combined with the pad 200 of FIG. 11B.

The pad 200 may be a foam hollow tubular pad which may be wrapped around one or more of the sections 108, 109, and 110. The pad 200 may be a built up foam which may be used to provide better grip for individuals having difficulties gripping small diameter objects, such as individuals with arthritis, due to their limited finger range of motion and limited gripping skills.

FIG. 21 shows a side perspective simplified view or diagram 300 of a shoehorn 301 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention being used by a person 340 in a first method. The person 340 is shown sitting on a chair 360. The shoehorn 301 may be similar to or identical to the shoehorn 1 shown in FIGS. 1-10. The shoehorn 301 is shown partially inserted into a chamber 326 inside of a shoe 320. The shoehorn 301 includes a portion 314 having a curved surface 314 a, which may be similar to or identical to the portion 14 and curved surface 14 a, of the shoehorn 1 of FIGS. 1-10. In FIG. 21, the shoehorn 301 has been partially inserted into the chamber 326 of the shoe 320 so that the curved surface 314 a is underneath a curved inner surface of an upper and/or tongue 322 of the shoe 320. In at least one embodiment, the curvature of the curved surface 314 a is designed to substantially be the same as the curvature of the inner surface of the upper and/or tongue 322. In this manner the curved surface 314 a may make substantial contact with the inner surface of the upper and/or tongue 322 and make it easier to keep the shoe 320 on the shoehorn 301 as the shoehorn 301 is picked up in the direction U1. In this manner the shoehorn 301 can be used to pick up the shoe 320. An end 301 a of the shoehorn 301, which may be the similar to or the same as the end 1 a of the shoehorn 1, may be gripped by a hand 348 connected to an arm 346 of the person 340. The hand 348 and arm 346 can be lifted up in the direction U1, while the hand 348 grips the end 301 a, in order to lift the shoehorn 301 and the shoe 320 in the direction U1, so that it can be picked up by the person 340 without the person 340 bending down.

FIG. 22 shows a side perspective simplified view and/or diagram 400 of a shoehorn 401 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention being used by a person 440 in a second method. The person 440 is shown sitting on a chair 460. The shoehorn 401 may be similar to or identical to the shoehorn 1 shown in FIGS. 1-10. The shoehorn 401 is shown partially inserted into a chamber 426 inside of a shoe 420. The shoehorn 401 includes a portion 414 having a curved surface 414 a, which may be similar to or identical to the portion 14 and curved surface 14 a, of the shoehorn 1 of FIGS. 1-10. In FIG. 22, the shoehorn 401 has been partially inserted into the chamber 426 of the shoe 420 so that the curved surface 414 a is underneath an upper and/or tongue 422 of the shoe 420. In this manner the curved surface 414 a may make substantial contact with the inner surface of the upper and/or tongue 422. In the FIG. 22 diagram 400, the shoehorn 401 is used to flex, lift, or bend the upper 422 in the direction U2, while a sole 428 of the shoe 420 remains at least partially on a ground surface 460. The shoe 420 may be held down by a foot 450 of the person 440, while the shoehorn 401 is used to the lift, bend, or flex the upper or tongue 422 in the direction U2. The shoe 420 may be held down by a heel portion 454 of the foot 450 pressing down on the shoe 420 while the foot 450 is inserted, toe portion 452 first. In this manner, the shoehorn 401 aids the person 440 in getting their foot 450 into the inner chamber 426 inside of the shoe 420. In FIG. 22, a toe portion 452 is shown by dashed lines as being inserted into the inner chamber 426 of the shoe 420, however, the person 440 may gradually insert the entire foot 450 into the inner chamber 426.

FIG. 23 shows a side perspective simplified view and/or diagram 500 of a shoehorn 501 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention being used by a person 540 in a third method. The person 540 is shown sitting on a chair 560. The shoehorn 501 may be similar to or identical to the shoehorn 1 shown in FIGS. 1-10. The shoehorn 501 is shown partially inserted into an inner chamber 526 inside of a shoe 520. The shoehorn 501 includes a portion 514 having a curved surface 514 a, which may be similar to or identical to the portion 14 and curved surface 14 a, of the shoehorn 1 of FIGS. 1-10. In FIG. 23, the shoehorn 501 has been partially inserted into the inner chamber 526 of the shoe 420 so that the curved surface 514 a is against a back portion 528 of the shoe 520. A toe portion 552 of a foot 550 of the person 540 is shown, by dashed lines, as inserted into the inner chamber 526 of the shoe 520. A heel portion 554 of the foot 550 rests on the shoehorn 501. The toe portion 552 is underneath a portion of an upper or tongue 522. In this manner the shoe horn 501 can be used to allow the person 540 to insert his or her foot 550 into the inner chamber 526 inside the shoe 522.

The shoehorn 100 of FIGS. 11A-20B can be used in methods similar to or identical to the methods shown in FIGS. 21-23 instead of the shoehorn 1.

The shoehorn 1 may have a length L1, shown in FIG. 9, which may range from eighteen to thirty-two inches. The combination of the curvature of the surfaces 12 a and 14 a, and/or the curvature of the surface 14 a, may be shaped like the instep of a human foot, or like an upper or tongue shape of a shoe, to aid in picking up a shoe, and keeping the shoe on the shoehorn, as shown by FIG. 21. The curved portion, which may include sections or portions 12 and 14 may have a radius of curvature L2 approximately equal to one quarter of the length L1.

Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art. 

1. An apparatus comprising a shoehorn, wherein the shoehorn has a substantially straight portion and a substantially curved portion; wherein the shoehorn has a length; and wherein the substantially curved portion has a radius of curvature which is about one quarter of the length of the shoehorn.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the length of the shoehorn is between eighteen and thirty-two inches.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the shoehorn has a first end and a second end; wherein the substantially straight portion extends from the first end to a first location between the first end and the second end; wherein the substantially curved portion extends from the second end to a second location between the second end and the first end; and and wherein the substantially curved portion includes a hard plastic portion on which is located a protruding elastic cushion portion extending from the second end to a third location between the first location and the second end.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the shoehorn has a first end and a second end; wherein the substantially straight portion extends from the first end to a first location between the first end and the second end; wherein the substantially curved portion extends from the second end to a second location between the second end and the first end; and wherein a ring is located at the first end.
 5. An apparatus comprising a shoehorn, wherein the shoehorn has a substantially straight portion and a substantially curved portion; and wherein the shoehorn has a length of between eighteen and thirty-two inches.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 further the shoehorn has a first end and a second end; wherein the substantially straight portion extends from the first end to a first location between the first end and the second end; wherein the substantially curved portion extends from the second end to a second location between the second end and the first end; and wherein a ring is located at the first end.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a foam pad which is wrapped around the substantially straight portion and which is adapted to be used to pick up the shoehorn.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a foam pad which is wrapped around the substantially straight portion and which is adapted to be used to pick up the shoehorn.
 9. A method comprising grabbing a shoehorn by a first end of the shoehorn; inserting a second end of the shoehorn into an inner chamber of a shoe; and picking up the shoe using the shoehorn.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the shoehorn has a substantially straight portion and a substantially curved portion; wherein the substantially straight portion extends from the first end to a first location between the first end and the second end; and wherein the substantially curved portion extends from the second end to a second location between the second end and the first end.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein wherein the substantially curved portion has a radius of curvature which is about one quarter of the length of the shoehorn.
 12. The method of claim 9 further comprising flexing an upper portion of the shoe upwards using the shoehorn, while the shoe remains on a ground surface; and inserting a foot into the inner chamber of the shoe.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising inserting the second end of the shoehorn into the inner chamber of the shoe; flexing a back portion of the shoe backwards using the shoehorn, while the shoe remains on the ground surface; and inserting a foot into the inner chamber of the shoe. 